Beaver County sheriff charged with making threats

Beaver County Sheriff George David must continue his legal battle as charges against him have been waived to trial.

A preliminary hearing lasted all afternoon for the 65 year old sheriff, charged with threatening to cut off the hands of a political campaign worker and allegedly pulling a gun and threatening to shoot a blogger.

Four men testified against Beaver County Sheriff George David, 65, saying he verbally threatened to kill or harm his perceived enemies in county government.

Two witnesses are employees in David's own department, another is a campaign volunteer and the other a blogger who focuses on Beaver County government and news events.

Blogger, John Paul, who runs The Beaver Countian testified that David went on a venomous tirade, using verbal assaults, obscene name calling and then pulled out his gun, while in his office.

Paul was there to question the Sheriff about spending protocol in his department and said, "never in my life have I seen someone act the way he did in that office."

Paul said later in the meeting, while still emotionally high strung, David turned his anger toward him, delivering a frightful threat while pulling out his gun.

"He had his gun pointed at me", says Paul. And then he continued, "if you start reporting stuff like this, I'm going to blow your brains out too."

David has denied the charges and remains in office because county officials are powerless to remove him and state legislators haven't made an effort to do so.

David was arrested last month on charges including terroristic threats, witness intimidation and obstructing an investigation.

The charges stem from alleged encounters since November 2011 that were investigated by a state grand jury.

Copyright 2013 byWTAE.comThe Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said Sunday it was "very alarmed" by reports of widespread doping by track and field athletes in major competitions including the Olympic Games and world championships.